this year she would be giving gifts to 1,000 needy children, she would not have believed them.

“Never in my wildest dreams did I think that three years later we can help 1,000 kids,” Sherman said.

Sherman started Santa’s Elves of Denver in 2010 as a way to help her son, Jack, learn that the holidays are not just about his presents, but there are people less fortunate who he can help. Sherman had heard that Sun Valley was one of the poorest neighborhoods in the state and decided that was where she needed to focus her efforts.

Sherman contacted James Salinas, director of the Rude Recreation Center, 2855 W. Holden Place, and they were off and running. With the help of some friends, they were able to give gifts to about 50 children the first year.

That number jumped up to 250 children the next year and 300 last year. But they decided to think big this year and will serve 1,000 children, who will receive their gifts Dec. 14 at the Rude Rec Center.